The Awakening (The Stones of Revenge) by Justin Sargeant Page A

that it was slightly translucent. He pushed the blade back into the case and set it upon the floor next to him. He then turned his attention back to the fire and waited for Mordecai to come home.
    He sat in his hut staring intensely at the fire burning in the mantle for quite some time . Mordecai needs to return , he thought . The food is growing cold and I do not know if I can wait up much longer . After another half hour of sitting and staring, he decided to remove the flame from the cauldron. At that moment, a light rap on the door echoed in the small room . Who would be calling at this hour ? Landon slowly walked to the door. The past few days had been full of too many strange things; he wasn’t sure if he wanted to deal with anymore. He stood next to the door trying to listen for any clues that might distinguish the person on the other side. He heard a largeman shuffle his feet . Perhaps it is a messenger from Lord Malchus? If so, I should not keep him wai ting . There is no clanging of metal to indicate armor of some kind; anyone from Lord Malchus would assuredly wear armor to identify himself.
    Rap.
    Rap.
    Rap.
    The sound came from hitting a wooden object against the door. Landon decided it was best to open it and find out . This week couldn’t get any wors e , he thought to himself as he opened the door. The door creaked open bringing with it slight breeze. Standing in the doorway was a messenger.
    “ Good evening, sir,” the man said.
    “Evening to you; to what do I owe your company,” Landon returned to the man.
    “A have a letter for you, sir. I was given explicit instructions to deliver this to you with great speed.” When he finished speaking he handed out an envelope to Landon. Looking at the man, Landon wondered if he should receive the letter. He considered the letter might come from Mordecai with more details of his strange disappearance, and he knew of no one else who would find him important enough to hire a postal carrier to bring a letter to him. Most people would simply come themselves. Deciding it was best to find out whatever this message indicated, he accepted the letter.
    “Best of luck to you, sir,” the man said then turned, mounted his horse, and rode away speedily.
    Landon closed the door and looked down at the letter in his hands. He returned to his seat by the fire and sat down uneasily. The message had an unusual weight for its size. He opened the envelope and discovered a letter along with something else. He shook the envelope until a tiny object fell out into the palm of his hand. It was his ring! Opening the letter he discovered it was from Godfrey. It read thus:
    “ Master Landon,
     
    Here is your ring which I have promised to engrave and have returned to you as soon as was accomplished. I forewent all objects of my attention to focus on this forthwith. But Hark! There is an unknown malice arising in the west preparing factions for war. I have been summoned to a meeting of my kindred. For this reason, I will not be able to accompany you on your journey, but it is imperative that you discover the secrets of your inheritance. We will have need of it soon, I fear. Nevertheless, I should very much not like to see you venture out alone. Henceforth, seek a man in town named Daxis. He knows much of what transpires and may be of some use to you. I give you into his care with only minor trepidations, but trust no one else. Take care, good friend.
     
    With sincerest regard,
    G. ”
    Immediately, excitement and dread welled up in his heart. It seemed an adventure lay before him. But the thought of some shadowy malice gave no comfort. And that Godfrey would not be with him weighed upon his breast. He had been the only person to provide a glimpse into the man who was his father. He deeply wished he could have someone familiar to investigate this mystery with.  He trusted Godfrey’s guidance, but still. It was not the same. And what need could the world have of his inheritance? Is there a